Kashmir Valley on Track to Achieve Tuberculosis Elimination by 2025
Tuberculosis (TB) cases in the Kashmir Valley have shown a significant decline over the past three years, thanks to the proactive testing and screening measures implemented by health officials. In 2021, there were 3,439 reported cases, followed by 3,396 cases in 2022, and a total of 2,956 cases in 2023.
The Health Department Kashmir conducted a total of 95,290 presumptive examinations in 2021, which increased to 97,647 in 2022 and significantly surged to 237,219 in 2023. This uptick in testing has been attributed to the addition of new molecular testing machines and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for early detection of TB cases.
Dr. Adfar Qadri, the State TB Officer, highlighted the increase in screening and testing efforts for TB in recent years, along with the implementation of differentiated TB care to provide better care for high-risk patients and reduce mortality and morbidity rates.
The valley has already made remarkable progress in TB elimination, with districts like Budgam, Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, and Shopian being TB-free. Additionally, Srinagar, Kupwara, and Ganderbal have achieved Gold status, while District Baramulla and Bandipora have secured Bronze status.
With intensified and active case finding efforts ongoing, Dr. Adfar expressed confidence that the Kashmir Valley is on track to achieve TB elimination by 2025. The Health Ministry aims to reduce the incidence of new TB cases by 80% to end TB by 2025, with the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) providing free TB treatment in government medical facilities nationwide.
As the World Tuberculosis Day approaches on March 24, the theme of ‘Yes! We can end TB’ conveys a message of hope, emphasizing the importance of high-level leadership in combating the TB epidemic. Despite the global efforts to end TB, 1.3 million people died of TB in 2022, highlighting the urgency of continued action and awareness to eradicate this highly infectious disease.
Efforts in the Kashmir Valley, including the treatment of latent TB infection, contact tracing, and preventive treatment for infected patients’ contacts, are crucial steps in curbing the spread of TB. Through enhanced infrastructure, manpower deployment, and early detection initiatives, the Health Department Kashmir remains committed to effectively treating TB cases and working towards a TB-free future for the region.
